Top 5 Best Hikes Near New York City

I am so fortunate to live in New York City. Music, culture, and the arts… this amazing city has everything you could ask for. While the city fills so many of my wants the one thing it does not have is MOUNTAINS. Unless I can get a hike or trail run in the mountains at least once per week I begin to go a little stir crazy. While there are limited options for hikes in NYC, fortunately, there are a number of great hiking trails close by.

Listed below are the Top 5 Best Hikes Near New York City:

1. The Giant Stairs
2. Bear Mountain State Park
3. Mount Tammany
4. Ramapo Valley County Reservation
5. The Labyrinth

Top 5 Best Hikes Near NYC

1. The Giant Stairs

• Driving Distance from Times Square: 30 – 45 Minutes (~20 miles / 32 kilometers)
• Location: Palisades Interstate Park, New Jersey

One of my favorite hikes in the northeastern United States is called The Giant Stairs. 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) in length, it is one of the best places to go hiking near New York City. It snakes along the Palisades Cliffs and Hudson River just north of the George Washington Bridge. For those who live in New York City, it is only a 45-minute drive from midtown Manhattan. What makes the Giant Stairs one of the best hikes near NYC is not only its close proximity but also its diverse terrain. From steep ascents to giant rock boulders to a waterfall there is a little of everything. I’ve done this hike over 25 times and it never gets old.

2. Bear Mountain State Park

• Driving Distance from Times Square: 50 to 70 minutes (~40 miles / 64 kilometers)
• Location: Rockland County, New York

When I want to go hiking near New York City, Bear Mountain State Park is one of my favorite go-to spots. Bear Mountain State Park is located on the west bank of the Hudson River in New York State. Comprised of over 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares), the park contains 3 mountains: Bear Mountain, Dunderberg Mountain, and West Mountain. A 6-mile (10-kilometer) section of the Appalachian Trail is also located in Bear Mountain State Park making it one of the most popular hikes near New York City. There are over 50 hiking trails covering 235 miles (378 kilometers) at Bear Mountain State Park but one of my favorite is the 1777E trail. What’s special about this trail is that it is the route that British soldiers took during the American Revolutionary War on their way to capture Forts Clinton and Montgomery in the Hudson Highlands.

Another special thing about the 1777E trail is that you will pass through Doodletown. Settled in the 1800’s, Doodletown was an isolated village that was located in Bear Mountain State Park. It had over seventy homes along with a schoolhouse and church with nearly 350 inhabitants at its height. The village was closed in the 1960’s and many of its buildings were destroyed; however, you can still see the remnants and original photographs of Doodletown while hiking on this trail. The combination of history and adventure at Bear Mountain State park makes this New York hiking spot a great option.

3. Mount Tammany

• Driving Distance from Times Square: 90 Minutes (~70 miles / 113 kilometers)
• Location: Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey

Approximately 90 minutes west of New York City lay the Delaware Water Gap. The Delaware Water Gap is a section of the Delaware River that cuts through a ridge of the Appalachian Mountains on the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. About 28 miles (45 kilometers) of the Appalachian Trail runs through the Delaware Water Gap. One of my favorite hikes at the Delaware Water Gap is Mount Tammany. This 3.5-mile (6-kilometer) loop offers varied terrain and beautiful scenery. It follows the Dunnfield Creek and climbs steeply through rocky and rugged terrain. If you are looking for a short but challenging hike then Mount Tammany is right for you.

Mount Tammany is a great option for hikes near New York City and the area also offers a host of additional outdoor activities such as kayaking and camping.

4. Ramapo Valley County Reservation

• Driving Distance from Times Square: 50 Minutes (~33 miles / 53 kilometers)
• Location: Mahwah, New Jersey

One of my favorite day hikes near New York City which happens to be conveniently located less than an hour from mid-town Manhattan is Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Ramapo Valley County Reservation is a 4,000 acre (1,619 hectares) public park containing nearly 20 miles (32 kilometers) of trails. From well-maintained flat trails to rugged rocky trails the Park offers a number of diverse options for hikers.

Be on the lookout for wildlife while hiking in the Park as I have come across snakes while trail running there. Also, the park was closed for a few months in 2015 due to bear sightings. Fortunately, there are always hundreds of people hiking here on the weekends so you are rarely alone.

If you are looking at various day hiking trails near NYC Ramapo Valley County Reservation is a great option.

5. The Labyrinth

• Driving Distance from Times Square: 2 Hours (90 miles / 145 kilometers)
• Location: New Paltz, New York

Many people don’t realize that there are so many great options for hiking trails near New York City. The Labyrinth, which is located 90 miles (145 kilometers) from Times Square, happens to be one of the best hikes near NYC and is also one of the most unique trails that I have hiked in the United States. Located at the beautiful Mohonk Mountain House lodge in New Paltz, New York, it is a gem of a trail, which begins near the hotel lake and forces you to navigate through enormous rock boulders, up wooden ladders, and through rock caves. Once through the Labyrinth there are miles upon miles of hiking trails on the property for those looking for more adventure.

It is important to note that you have to pay a guest fee to go on the Mohonk Mountain House property for the day. However, it is 100% worth it, as you won’t find a trail like the Labyrinth anywhere. Also, the grounds of the Mohonk Mountain House are absolutely stunning which adds to the overall experience.

If you have a bad case of the hiking bug and live in or are visiting New York City, fortunately there are a number of options for you close by.

I look forward to seeing you on the trail.

Cheers,
Jeff

Jeff Bonaldi
Founder & CEO
The Explorer’s Passage

About Jeff Bonaldi
Jeff Bonaldi is the Founder and CEO of The Explorer’s Passage, a premier adventure travel company. His mission is to provide travelers with the opportunity to transform their lives and the planet through the power of adventure.

Learn more about Jeff’s story and his company HERE.

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